How To Deal with Control Freaks

If you date or work with a control freak, you know how hard it is to deal with one. Here are some tips to help you deal with control freaks so that you won't have to pull your hair out!

Step 1

Keep your cool. Although the control freak may be losing his mind, it's important for you to keep your cool. Stay calm to fend off the tension brought on by control freaks. If you can, speak to the control freak with a little bit of distance between you both so that he doesn't feel threatened and get even more agitated. Practice deep breathing and keep your harsh words to yourself. The more relaxed you appear, the more likely your calm attitude will rub off on the control freak.

Step 2

Speak slowly to make your point. If you are trying to reason with a control freak, you have an uphill battle ahead of you. Speak slowly and clearly and try not to let your emotions show through in your tone. Less turmoil during a conversation will be better for the both of you.

Step 3

Be patient. Obviously, you've got to be very patient when it comes to dealing with control freaks. You aren't going to win an argument by forcing your opinion onto a control freak. Instead, avoid a power struggle by listening to the control freak's argument and stating ‘I understand what you are saying'. Let the control freak know that his opinion has been heard. Don't give in or allow yourself to be controlled by the control freak. Just take the time to listen.

Step 4

Let him feel like he's in control at first. A control freak either needs to have control of a situation or needs to have control of you. And he won't stop until he feels like he has defeated you. Pace your attempt to deal with control freaks by giving a little bit of power to them at first. A little bit of control may be all he needs to relax and return to being a normal human being. Work to control the conversation once the control freak eases up a little. Then eventually you'll have more control and you won't have agitated the control freak in the process.

Step 5

Let him feel like he's in control at first. A control freak either needs to have control of a situation or needs to have control of you. And he won't stop until he feels like he has defeated you. Pace your attempt to deal with control freaks by giving a little bit of power to them at first. A little bit of control may be all he needs to relax and return to being a normal human being. Work to control the conversation once the control freak eases up a little. Then eventually you'll have more control and you won't have agitated the control freak in the process.

Step 6

Turn the tables. You can also deal with a control freak by trying to control him. Give him a taste of his own medicine. Require something of him instead of always being the controlled one. Ask him to do something for you to show that you won't be intimidated by his domineering ways. Don't give in to the unrealistic demands of a control freak. Learn to deal with a control freak by diffusing his power and demanding a little bit more control for yourself.